Puri: Lakhs of devotees thronged Shree Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s Puri on Saturday to witness ‘Suna Besha’ of the sibling deities adorned in dazzling gold attire on the occasion of Pausha Purnima.
This marks the first of five annual occasions when the servitors of the 12th-century shrine embellish Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra with intricate gold ornaments, transforming them into a dazzling vision of divine opulence.
According to sources, the sacred Pushyabhisheka ritual is performed on this occasion, marking one of the most significant observances in the Jagannath Temple calendar. As part of the proceedings, 108 pots of aromatic water infused with ghee, preserved in the temple’s Adhibasa Griha since the previous day, are sanctified with sandalwood paste. These holy vessels are then used for the ceremonial Abhisheka, or bathing, of the Lords.
Meanwhile, Maa Lakshmi proceeds in her Sridevi palanquin to Jagamohan after receiving the Agyanmala (divine permission garland) from Lord Jagannath. There, special rituals including Majana and Banaka Lagi are performed, culminating in Maa Lakshmi being adorned in Suna Besha, an important part of the day’s observances.
This particular Suna Besha coincides with legends marking the coronation of Lord Ram in Ayodhya. Devotees believe darshan on this day purifies sins and grants spiritual liberation, drawing massive crowds despite the winter chill.
The day’s festivities peaks with the grand Samudra Aarti, a poignant prayer offering to the sea performed on Puri’s beach, attended by thousands in a display of collective devotion.
